WANTED by the ALPHA

Six

The smell of blood permeated the air. Celeste didn't know where it came from and couldn't find the source which was just weird. The place smelled like a battlefield. Even though she'd never been to one, she figured that was how it really smelled. Contrary to the stinking air, the view was aesthetically pleasing. In front of her was an ancient castle. Six massive, square towers formed a protective barrier all around it and were connected by enormous, heavy walls made of green stone. Tall windows scattered here and there around the walls in fairly symmetrical patterns, along with symmetric crenelations which she guessed were for archers and artillery.

They passed through the moderate gate with enormous metal doors and proceeded down the cobbled street. There were no visible guards or security but she knew not to count that as an advantage. Vampires had supernatural speed, some were even known to be faster than werewolves. The lack of security was just a trick for anyone stupid enough to fall for it. Not able to withstand the scent any more, she asked,

"Was there a war here or something?"

"No"

"Then what's with the stench of blood in the air?"

"If I'd known you were coming, I would have had my servants clean the air for you" he said, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"Don't worry. I'll send a pigeon next time" she retorted. Without warning, he grabbed her arm and sprinted them to the front door. Never having experienced running at that speed, Celeste staggered when he dropped his hand "I'd like a heads up the next time you do that"

"Sure. How about when I plan on having you as my meal? Would you also like to know?"

"Definitely. I'll clean myself up well and even put a nice little bow on it"

"Why aren't you scared? Even my own kind have the sense to fear me"

"Why? Do you normally eat them or dismember them if they don't listen to you?"

"I am the Vampire King little witch. No one on this planet is more powerful than I am"

Having recovered from the little run he'd subjected her to, she stood up straight and gave him a once-over. He screamed Typical vampire. Ash white skin, long black hair that reached his shoulders, red eyes and his attire.... She couldn't begin to imagine what year he was born. The white linen shirt with frills, knee length coat and knee breaches screamed 18th century, yet he had to be older than that since he could walk under the sun. Why did he choose to dress like that?

"Let's start with the clothes, what's your deal with them?"

"Excuse me?"

"In case you haven't noticed it yet, it's the 21st century. People don't dress like that anymore. A pair of jeans and a leather coat will improve your looks Dannan" she used his name just to see how he would react. He was a king and from the books she'd read about humans, the royals didn't like to be called by their name. Did he also insist on such formalities?

"I see"

"How long has it been since you came out?"

"Came out from where?"

Oh, the king knew how to play dumb "Rumor has it that you only come out of your house after a century. I wanna ask what you do in there but we're not close enough so I doubt you'll be honest with me. Which is why I'm asking the easier question. When was the last time you came out?"

"A hundred...."

"Holy crap, it's actually true? You stay locked away for a hundred years?"

His eyes glowed "No one locks me up. I am..."

"The king, yeah, yeah. Got it. So if it's a hundred years then you..... 1921?" he hadn't seen the light of day since 1921? Poor thing.

"It was actually a hundred and fifty this time"

"1871. Wow, once I find my mother, I'd like to know where you spend all that time and what you do" the thought of him sleeping in a coffin for so long passed through her mind but she shook it off. Like he'd said, he was the king.

He smirked, one part of his mouth going up in a half smile. The action exposed snow white fangs that looked beautiful and dangerous at the same time "Have you forgotten that you're a prisoner?"

"Actually, I came here out of my own free will but if thinking I'm a prisoner helps you sleep at night then feel free to do so" and because she had foreseen his next move, Celeste ducked when he tried to grab her by the neck. Tsking, she said "Too predictable. Tomorrow I'll teach you a few things. Right now I'm tired and in need of food. Point me towards the kitchen"

"I have never come across someone as stupid as you Celeste"

"Okay, so I may have forgotten to ask if witches are part of your diet. Do your people get off on sucking the likes of us dry?" Research had told her they couldn't eat werewolves due to some reason she couldn't remember but what about witches? At the end of the day, they were still humans. They lived for a long time and had invented vudu dolls but they were still human beings. Their bodies functioned the same way as humans which meant their blood might attract the vamps.

"Of course we do. I think I'll enjoy you"

"Well I won't die hungry so feed me or we'll starve together"

"Is that a threat?"

"I was of the impression vampires didn't like talking but it looks like you're different. Now don't get me wrong, I'd like to talk to you, maybe even uncover some of your secrets but later" pushing the large doors open, she looked around. The living room was big enough to hold at least a hundred people, which wasn't surprising since it was a castle. Celeste figured it would take her forever to find out where the kitchen was and chances were the fridge or wherever they stored their food would be full of blood but she had to at least try. Fingers crossed, she set out, descending the stairs at the entrance in a hurry.

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Dannan watched her back disappear through another door, wondering who she was. Normally, witches went the other way whenever they bumped into vampires while she had agreed to be his hostage without a care in the world. He couldn't decide if she was stupid or up to something. Here was a mere witch who was making him wonder if he'd fallen into her trap. Had she been waiting for him? Impossible. No one knew he'd come out. Not even the crown prince, Clarence. He'd made sure to spend a bit more time in order to placate anyone who might have been waiting for him. The witch had been right about him coming out every hundred years. To avoid any surprises, he had switched it up a little. Aside from her, no one knew he was back.

He had been on his way to see how his kingdom had faired while he was away, when he bumped into her little show. Dannan had to admit that she had intrigued him which was saying something. He had lived for over two thousand years and nothing surprised or intrigued him anymore. At least that's what he'd thought. Until he came across a tiny witch who had the audacity to scare off more than twenty wolves. Rogue ones at that. Had the world changed that much while he was away or was Celeste more than met the eye? She didn't bare any coven marks which meant she wasn't in one. So who was she? And why was she confident?

He found her part annoying and part fascinating. The way she strode into his castle fearless was something he'd only witnessed once. The only difference was that back then he could smell Monique's fear. She had only been trying to act strong and fearless. Celeste on the other hand wasn't the least bit scared. Whatever he did or said, he couldn't seem to provoke her. As if she was sure he wouldn't do anything to her. He was the vampire king, had been for centuries. Among all the witches he'd met, only one had acted the way Celeste did. Esadora Vixen. If he didn't know her well, he'd think Celeste was somehow related to her. Sensing Clarence's presence, Dannan looked over his shoulder to the prince. The only person he trusted.

"My, my, to what do we owe your pleasant surprise, your imperial majesty?"

"I would say I missed you but it would be a lie. Who else knows I'm back?"

"The inner circle. Why did you take so long?"

"Mordecai?"

"Still thinks no one knows what he's doing"

Dannan nodded "Good. Let's see how far he'll get"

"I smell a witch. Did you find her?"

"No" was all he said before following Celeste's scent. She had finally found the kitchen and was currently standing in front of the double doors frowning "Explain the frown"

"Why do you have so much food when all you can consume is blood?"

"Are you actually complaining about finding food?"

"Unbelievable, right?" She spun around "This is suspicious"

"Let's say it is, what will you do about it?"

"Why would I want to do anything about it? Can't you see? This means I won't starve or be forced to drink blood while I'm here. Good thinking on your part"

"Your latest toy?" Clarence asked strolling in.

"More or less"

"What is it with you and witches?"

Dannan ignored that and went back to the said witch. She had a piece of cheese in one hand and bread in another "So how long do you plan on staying here?" He was being sarcastic of course but it was lost on her.

"A week at most. I'd stay longer but the smell of blood is kind of a turn off"

"You're a witch. You could easily cast a spell and get rid of it" he'd said that carelessly hoping she'd fall for it and actually get rid of the smell. It was some kind or retaliation from a coven he'd captured a long time ago. He had told them to find a way so his people could walk under the sun but they'd polluted the air instead. Telling them to enjoy the scent for as long as they wanted. And hadn't they done that? It was safe to say the only reason they drank blood was so they wouldn't shrivel up and dry. Some of them had resorted to eating human food to try and satiate their hunger. Which was just foolish since their bodies had long since stopped needing food..

"Why hadn't I thought of that?" She asked herself carrying a bottle of water to the marble counter "If you cook a proper meal for me, I'll do it"

"You alone?" Did she think he was stupid? It had taken an entire coven to cast that spell. It infuriated him that his people had to beg witches for help so they could see the light of day. For them to go and add another spell just to spite him? That had been unacceptable. He'd slain every last member of that coven out of anger, forgetting they still had to undo it, then spent another century looking for a witch who could undo it or cast another spell to counteract the one already in place.

"I'm a witch. A powerful one at that"

"She's interesting. Can I get her once you're done with her?"

"I don't see why not... If she'll be alive" Dannan added.

"So who's the chef between you two?" turning to Clarence she said, "I'm sorry for not introducing myself. I'm Celeste"

"And it looks like I'm your chef. Sometimes I go by Clarence"

"Awesome, get to work"

Clarence shot him a look that asked if she had just issued an order. Dannan only raised his eyebrow, conveying he should just go ahead and cook for her. Once she was done eating, they would see if she was as powerful as she claimed.

If she wasn't then she would realize she'd just had her last supper.

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What has Celeste gotten herself into?

Dannan and Clarence, what do you think of them?